Ol Kalou polls: UDA’s Muchina claims vehicle burnt, voter bribery in polling stations

United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate Samuel Muchina Nyaga has raised concerns about some election malpractices in the ongoing Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election.

Speaking after casting his ballot on Thursday, Muchina claimed that one of his campaign vehicles was set ablaze overnight while transporting his party agents

Despite commending the security arrangements put in place for the poll, he also alleged that individuals were attempting to bribe voters inside polling stations as voting got underway.

"I have not had an incident except yesterday, when one of my vehicles transporting my agents in Mugumo was burnt by goons, but the situation was later controlled,” he said.

"This morning I heard that some individuals were giving out money inside the polling stations. I am calling on the IEBC to investigate the issue because I have heard from my people that there were some people in some of the polling stations who were trying to bribe voters.”

The UDA candidate asked the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to investigate and expressed confidence that the electoral commission would act on the allegations.

He said he was yet to formally report the alleged incidents to the relevant authorities but pledged to do so.

"I believe the IEBC will take action on those people so that we can have free and fair elections,” he said.

"I have come from home and have not yet reported, but because I am a law-abiding citizen, I will go and report to the agencies for investigations to take place."

Muchina, at the same time, lauded the voting process as largely peaceful, saying voter turnout had been encouraging following a three-month campaign period.

He also expressed confidence of victory, saying the outcome would reflect the will of the electorate.

"I feel the process is good because people have turned up in good numbers. We have had three months to campaign, and we have done our best, and we encourage everyone to come out in large numbers to vote for their next MP who will serve for one year,” said Muchina.

"I am ready for the outcome because I know I will win. The people of Ol Kalou will speak through the ballot."

Voting is continuing across the constituency's 144 polling stations, with 73,480 registered voters expected to elect a new Member of Parliament following the death of former legislator David Njuguna Kiaraho in March.

Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader candidate Sammy Douglas Kamau Waweru is expected to cast his vote at AC Primary School, Ol Kalou, at around 9: 30 a.m.

Jubilee Party candidate Wilson Kigwa is set to vote at Kandutura Primary School at 10 am, with People's Renaissance Movement candidate Timothy Kariuki also casting his ballot at 10 am at Kieni Secondary School.